Writers in the Schools (WITS) is helping HISD students celebrate National Poetry Month with virtual offerings to support the transitions of students, families, and educators to online learning.

Historically, WITS has created art installations, organized student readings, and held poetry slams during the month of April. Amidst the outbreak of COVID-19, WITS has developed new, free digital offerings highlighting poetry and amplifying student voices.

WITS is offering the following ways for Houston students to celebrate the world through poetry: 

• QuickWITS: for K-5th grade students that incorporates short videos in which WITS writers lead children through fun and accessible creative-writing activities. Those who are interested can follow WITS on social media (@witshouston) to view new episodes each week.

• WITS U: Middle and high school students can take courses within safe, small-group environments. These online creative writing workshops are led by professional WITS writers. All workshop links are private, and password protected. Pre-registration is required, and participants are screened upon entry. Participants can register via the WITS website: https://witshouston.org/wits-u. 

Additionally, WITS offers several online writing services, virtual workshops, and recorded lessons for students that can be accessed for free athttps://witshouston.org/.